National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Each state conducts celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing make to the community. The theme for 2009 is Nurses: Building a Healthy America . This year's theme reflects the commitment nurses make every day in building a healthy America for the public we serve. During National Nurses Week, ANA (American Nurses Association) reaffirms its commitment to improve the quality of health care and the working conditions of nurses. The growing shortage of RNs poses a real threat to the nation's health care system and the public's health, and ANA is dedicated to fighting for a workplace environment that will encourage current nurses to continue in their careers, and inspire young men and women to consider nursing as a profession.

Annually, National Nurses Week focuses on highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.

I think sometimes the nurses who take care of us go unrecognized. I have met some AMAZING nurses in my lifetime. CF patients, especially, grow really close to some nurses because we are in the hospital so much. They become like family. I'm so thankful for that relationship, and I still keep up with some nurses from Children's hospital today. I never thought that I would become as close to nurses again post-transplant. But I was wrong, unfortunately and fortunately. The nurses on our transplant unit are also amazing. They truly care about their patients, and literally spoil us! They truly go all out to provide the best care. Our HTICU has been recognized nationally as the best nursing provided on a critical care unit. The majority of our nurses on this unit are younger...mid-late 20s or early 30s. I have gotten really close to several of the younger nurses and we actually hang out outside of the hospital environment...which is great. I have nurses that, when I'm in the hospital, go and get/buy me lunch wherever they are going for that day (if I can't go with them). The nurses are the ones that really get you through the day. We definitely couldn't do it without them. So here is a big shout out to all of my nurses: past and present. I LOVE you so much. And here is a big shout-out to my transplant nurse coordinators....mine are like a 2nd mom to me...couldn't ask for anyone better! They treat me like a patient, but also like one of their children, and support me and help me in everything I do! Thanks Trina and Lanier!

If you are around your nurses this week...make sure to say thank-you for everything they do!